New EMI boss Guy Hands has claimed that artists must work harder for his record label in the future.

A memo leaked to the Financial Times revealed that Hands wants EMI to be more selective about acts they choose to work with.

Hands said: "Some [artists] unfortunately simply focus on negotiating for the maximum advance. Advances which are often never repaid."

The new owner did not reveal what had prompted his remarks, but insisted that it would be "open to us (EMI) to choose which artists we wish to work with and promote" in the future.